17–20 September 2026
22nd MitOst Festival
Armenia
MitOst Festival 2026
Democratic Resilience in Practice: Civil Society Between Transformation and Uncertainty
The 22nd MitOst Festival goes to Armenia from 17–20 September, 2026!
The MitOst Festival 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of MitOst, and we’re proud to be organizing this year’s Festival with our partners from Armenia and institutional member represented in the MitOst Executive Board, EcoHub Foundation.
The Festival takes place at an important moment for the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Across the region, civil society is navigating complex challenges — from geopolitical tensions and shrinking civic space to the ongoing impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, Armenia is undergoing democratic reforms and increasingly positioning itself as a place for dialogue, cooperation, and regional exchange.
Taking place ahead of Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections and during a period of closer alignment with European democratic standards, the Festival offers a space to collectively reflect on how civil society can remain resilient, collaborative, and forward-looking in times of uncertainty.
Under the title “Democratic Resilience in Practice: Civil Society Between Transformation and Uncertainty,” we will come together with local civil society actors to exchange practical ideas, learn from one another, strengthen regional solidarity, and build meaningful relationships.
We are looking forward to diving into Armenia’s unique social and cultural landscape, while keeping the Festival’s staples, co-creative approach, and community spirit!
The 22nd MitOst Festival is organized by MitOst in collaboration with local host organization EcoHub and the Bosch Alumni Network.
EcoHub Foundation aims to foster active citizenship, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Armenia by empowering young people from the regions who have limited access to such opportunities.
– a publication on Participatory Placemaking in Armenia
– a guide on Social Entrepreneurship for CSOs
– a growing network of local facilitators, mentors, and volunteers.
EcoHub’s main program areas focus on youth empowerment through non-formal, peer-to-peer training in citizenship and education for sustainable development. A key initiative is Boo Alternative House, a sustainable and eco-friendly training space, community center, and tourist attraction located in the Lori region.
EcoHub also works closely with the Vanadzor local government and contributes to the town’s development strategies, including projects on public space revitalization and the regeneration of former industrial zones. One of the major concepts initiated by EcoHub is the Green Iron Vanadzor microfiber plant revitalization concept.
Program
Together with EcoHub, we are curating a special program that we hope will celebrate our network in its best light and foster connection, exchange, and collaboration! The full program will be announced closer to the Festival, once we have received and included the workshops ideas proposed by participants. Some of the topics and areas of discussion that will be integrated in the program are:
✺ Civil society resilience under political pressure
✺ Armenia as a safe space for regional cooperation
✺ Democratic transition and elections in times of uncertainty
✺ Between geo-political pressure and European alignment
✺ Rural perspectives and industrial transformation
✺ Digital transformation and AI in civil society.
About MitOst
Founded in 1996, MitOst is an international network bringing together people and organisations committed to social change, cultural exchange, active citizenship, social cohesion, and sustainable urban and rural development. Today, MitOst connects a diverse community of more than 1000 members across over 40 countries, working in fields such as culture, education, civic engagement, and sustainability.
Learning with and from each other
Impression from the 21st International MitOst Festival in Moldova, 2025
Photo: Ina Gordeeva
Festival Staples
Tombola
Whether you are acquainted with our Tombola, or are new to the concept, we assure you that it is always fun participating. It a great chance to connect with Festival participants in a playful and informal atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you get back with a gift home!
We will be selling lots during the Festival. Please remember, in order to participate you have to bring a small gift. You are eligible to buy as many lots as you want, that way it will increase your chances to win. The winners of the Tombola will be announced in a special evening party during the Festival. More information to come soon!
Football Tournament
The Football Tournament will be rolling once again! As in past years, teams will go head-to-head in the competition for the Cup of Friendship.
Don’t forget to bring your sportswear, water bottles and a towel – the pitch is waiting for you! Details about registration and team sign-ups will be shared soon.
A chance to connect
Impression from the 21st International MitOst Festival in Moldova, 2025
Photo: Ina Gordeeva
Fees & Registration
Please read carefully all the information on fees, deadlines, and how to secure your spot for the MitOst Festival. Your Participation Fee depends on the self-assessment of your income level and your accommodation type. All Participation Fees include:
✺ Accommodation for three nights (nights of 17, 18, and 19 September)
✺ Access to the full program
✺ Breakfast and two dinners
Early bird, available until 15 May 2026
✺ Hotel (shared room): 200€
✺ Hotel (single room): 300€
✺ Hotel (shared room): 150€
Normal rate, 16 May–1 July
✺ Hotel (shared room): 300€
✺ Hotel (single room): 500€
Low-income rate:
✺ Hotel (shared room): 200€
Please note:
✺ Travel costs are not covered in your Participation Fee.
✺ If you would like to cover accommodation on your own, your Participation Fee will amount to a Jump-in Fee of 30€. This option is especially for local participants.
✺ We accept only pre-payments through bank transfers or PayPal. Please use PayPal only if a direct bank transfer is not possible, and make sure to process your payment within 14 days after registration. Your spot is secured only when we receive the payment. Find the details below.
Payment information
Bank Transfer
MitOst e.V.
IBAN: DE13 4306 0967 1176 9528 00
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
Subject: MitOst Festival 2026, Your Name
PayPal
paypal@mitost.org
Subject: MitOst Festival 2026, Your Name
Practical information
As most flights to Yerevan arrive very early in the morning, we kindly ask you to plan your arrival for the morning of 17 September (typically requiring departure on 16 September). We will arrange shuttle buses to pick you up at 12 p.m. in Yerevan on 17 September.
The first two days of the program will take place in Vanadzor (17–18 September), and the final two days in Yerevan (19–20 September). We’ll take care of the travel between the locations and provide shuttle buses for everyone.
Important note
We are aware that many of you are following the current geopolitical developments in the region closely. The Festival is organized in close cooperation with long-standing local partner organisations who have extensive experience hosting international visitors and events. Together with them, we are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the Festival. Please note that Armenia is currently not considered a risk zone. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Christina at nuhr@wecommit.to.
A place of cultural exchange
Impression from the 21st International MitOst Festival in Moldova, 2025
Photo: Ina Gordeeva
Travel Fund
We want to ensure that all community members who wish to join the Festival have an equal opportunity to participate. Through our Travel Solidarity Fund, we offer financial support for travel costs to those who need it.
We recognize that travel expenses vary greatly depending on where you are coming from and can become a barrier to participation. That’s why we trust you to decide for yourself whether you need support, and to what extent. You can indicate this directly in the registration form.
If you are in a position to support another community member, we warmly invite you to contribute to the Travel Solidarity Fund. Your donation can also be made through the registration form and will help make participation more accessible for others.
Celebrating international collaboration
Impression from the 21st International MitOst Festival in Moldova, 2025
Photo: Ina Gordeeva
Throwback to the 21st MitOst Festival
From 2–5 October 2025, we gathered in Chișinău, Moldova for the 21st MitOst Festival. Hosted in collaboration with the local organization Ecovisio, this Festival explored the theme “Moldova – In Between: Rural–Urban // Autocracy–Democracy // War–Peace.”
Some program highlights included:
✺ Three rounds of thematic workshops
✺ Session with the MitOst Board
✺ Guided walks to the city and Ecovillage
✺ Visit in Rîșcova
✺ Local cultural activities
✺ Festival staples: Football Tournament of Friendship, Tombola
If Chișinău is still on your mind — or if you couldn’t join us this time — we invite you to revisit it through our photo album and the post-festival newsletter. You’ll find resources, information on the MitOst Agora, key insights from thematic sessions, and a glimpse of the moments we shared. We carry these memories with us and we hope they inspire you as well to create new ones together in Armenia!
Experiencing cultural diversity
Impression from the 21st International MitOst Festival in Moldova, 2025
Photo: Ina Gordeeva
